COMMERCIAL FISHING FOR RED SNAPPER TO REMAIN OPEN UNTIL NOON, DECEMBER 26

The fall commercial fishing season for red snapper in Louisiana state waters will be extended through noon Dec. 26, 2006, unless Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Bryant Hammett is informed by the regional administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) that the season date in federal waters has been modified.

Secretary Hammett made the decision as authorized by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission at their Jan. 5, 2006 meeting. Secretary Hammett acted following notification by the NMFS that federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico will be opened for the commercial harvest of red snapper through noon, Dec. 26.

The commercial fishery for red snapper in Louisiana waters will re-open at noon, Dec. 31, 2006, unless the LDWF secretary is informed by the NMFS regional administrator that season dates in federal waters have been modified.